depression big long sob story

Zantra

Notice I said "aspiring" shrink. Haven't had a single day of med school "yet". But you're right. In reality I'd need a lot more info to make an accurate diagnosis[;)] But how do you know it was a bad one? hehe

And is Robby a doctor or something?[a)]

zoobyshoe

Zantra,

Don't go into psychiatry. For two
reasons.

1. You'll probably kill someone.

2. Psychiatry is a sinking ship.
It's being supplanted by neuro-
psychiatry and straightforward
neurology.

You might become a therapist or
counsellor if you want. But stay
away from prescribing medication.
Because: See reason #1 above.

Zantra

Well I'm going into medicine no matter what. I am considering neuropsych as well. But no matter what I'm going to be a doctor. That's my goal above and beyond psychiatry. Besides, if I'm really that horrible I won't make it through med school anyway, right? I'm assuming you're joking (btw, how's mom doing?), because I was really just kidding about the wellbutrin.

In reality I'd need to have at least several psych sessions with her where I could do a proper evaluation. In reality no amount of studying would allow someone the luxury of making a diagnosing and providing a prescription based on few sentences over the computer.

And again, are you a doctor zoob, or you just yankin my chain?[;)]

zoobyshoe

I haden't gotten to your last
question yet. Had to go back and
reread what you said.

The reason I know it was a bad
diagnosis is because you said you
had a friend who suffered from
manic depression possibly because
of bipolar disorder.

Manic depression IS bipolar disor-
der.

No uses the term manic depression
anymore. The current term is bipolar disorder.

Gale hasn't reported one manic
symptom so it was insane
of you to jump to the suspicion
of bipolar.

I don't believe Mr. Robin Parsons
is a doctor but he has a mind like
a steel trap and among the other
stuff he has in there is a huge
amount of medical knowledge. Read
his post in the thread on apendicitis. Written off the top of his head.

-Zooby

Gale

gee thanks you guys, you sure know how to make a gal feel soo much better.[;)]

listening to people argue over who's the worse doctor is always heartwarming... come to think of it, reminds me of when the family gets together for dinner...

zoobyshoe

I'm really glad we could help.

Lets go play "Ask A Stupid Question..." You know where the
thread is and how to play?

Zantra

Now granted, I'm not a licensed shrink by any stretch, but I'm fairly certain that manic depression is a seperate illness, as listen in the DSM-IV, and is a symptom of Bipolar disorder. I did say my friend may have been bipolor- she had other symptoms besides depresssion, but I never said Gale was. If I'm wrong, then I apologize. I guess I'd better go dig up my DSM.. /sigh...

EDIT: actually off the top of MY head, Bipolar disorder is characterized by "highs" and "lows" drastic opposite extremes that generally occur in 2-3 week periods and swings from severe depression to unrealistic highs.. This contrasts manic depression in that there is no high point wiht that illness, it's simply extended perids of depression for no apparent reason.

zoobyshoe

Manic depression is the old name
for what is now called bipolar.
DSM-IV lists Bipolar 1, BipolarII
Cyclothymic disorder (like bipolar
but not as severe) and bipolar
NOS (Not Otherwise Specified).
No Manic Depression.

Zantra

I stand corrected. Good thing they have a school for stuff like this[:D] Or maybe gynecology......[;)]

Zantra

This reminds of my family too. Only here there is less swearing, name calling and violence[;)]

zoobyshoe

OOOOOOOH Gynecology!

Actually you would be better off.
A psychologist once told me that
psychiatry is the least respected
of all the medical specialties
among doctors themselves. People
who graduate at the bottom of
their class are pretty much forced
into psychiatry because the requi-
rments for all the other fields
are too stringent. Psychiatry
requires the least medical know-
ledge and they make the least
money.

If you just shoot for being a GP
you'll be doing pretty well.

Zantra

Really? I Wasn't aware of that bias. I did know about the requirements, but I wasn't necessarily doing it for the glamour. Was more of a personal thing. As far as prestige- Cardiology and Neurology are where it's really at. Had also been considering the Medical Scientists Training program, but I think that's a tad too ambitious at this stage in my ife. I won't know for sure until I go through my rounds and start to get a feel for each specialty. GP is good for being well rounded, but I intend to specialize[;)]

Phobos

The teenage years are rough. Depression is common during that time. Keep yourself busy & distracted (positive activities, friends). You'll have a new outlook when you reach your 20s.

Galatea

I'm with Phobos. Teenage years are awful. It's been my experience that those who truly enjoy their teenage years usually peak at that time and long for those days again. Those of us who suffered a great deal of inner turmoil end up being better for it in the end. Unfortunately, all you can do is wait it out. But it's sooooooo nice once it's over!

As added advice, if you aren't currently working, maybe getting a part time job would be a good thing. Working tends to be rewarding; if not emotionally, at least financially. I think one of the best things about being out of high school is working - granted it gets old kind of quickly but I wouldn't trade working for high school any day.